Auto parts Retailer Still in Talks to Purchase Former Moon Bar

The owner of the now-closed Trivia Pub said auto parts retailer AutoZone Inc. has not yet purchased the University Boulevard property that houses the former bar. 

Developers from the Memphis-based corporation for more than a year have been in talks with owner John Scanlon to purchase the property and construct a new automotive parts store on the lot, Scanlon said. 

Scanlon, of Aliquippa, the 60-year-old bar in December after the auto parts company sent him a  to purchase the property. , in the building's second floor, remains open. 

Scanlon said he expects the company to close on the property in October and begin construction thereafter. Allegheny County property records show that Scanlon still owns the property. 

Earlier this year, the issued a building permit for developers to construct the new store, which would require the current building and adjoining house to be demolished. 

Developers for the company township supervisors in March that they would break ground on the new facility this summer. 

In April 2010, Scanlon and his business partner, Frank Cullen, began negotiations with AutoZone to sell the property. Developers presented a preliminary development application before the Moon Planning Commission in December. 

Representatives from AutoZone could not be reached for comment. 

"By the end of the month we'll know," Scanlon said. "They said they'll close at the end of the month." 

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